PETS IN HOT WEATHER

What pet owners should know to keep their four-legged friends safe

Summer has begun, and soaring temperatures mean pet owners need to take extra care to protect their pets from extreme heat. Experts are observing higher heat levels worldwide, which leads to concerns about an increase in heat-related illnesses in animals. It is our responsibility to protect our pets from extreme heat by providing opportunities for them to cool down and escape high temperatures. FOUR PAWS has compiled some helpful tips in this guide to ensure both people and animals can enjoy sunny days without worry.

Take extra care of your dog when the weather is hot. In addition to serious cardiovascular complications that can lead to heatstroke, dogs are also at risk of sunburn at points where they have no hair, such as their nose and ears.
The right balance of fluids is very important in hot weather, and fresh drinking water should always be available. Always carry enough water with you on outings and take regular breaks. Older dogs in particular will need more time out to cool off and rest.
More strenuous activities with your dog, such as jogging or cycling, should be left to the relative cool of the morning or evening.
Never underestimate how hot stones and asphalt can become in the sun. Try to find shady routes for your walks, if possible, in the woods or fields.
Be careful when taking your dog in the car. If you do not have air conditioning in your car, plan longer trips with your dog for the morning or evening. In hot weather, a traffic jam can quickly become dangerous for your dog. And never leave your dog alone in the car, even for just a few minutes! The temperature in a car can quickly rise to 60 °C or even 100 °C. Even in the shade, a car will get hot very quickly and become lethal for your dog. If you come across a dog shut in a car on a hot day, tell the police immediately.
Brush your dog regularly, especially if they have long, thick fur and therefore a lot of undercoat. This will help regulate their temperature. Also, consider trimming their coat (not clipping it to protect him from sunburn).
Provide your dog with cold or frozen treats. They will have fun and you’ll be doing them a favour by providing healthy ingredients.
Make it possible for your four-legged friend to lie cool. Cooling mats are a good investment.
Splash them with water from time to time if he likes it or set up a water sprinkler or dog pool in your garden. Cooling waistcoats, which can be moistened again and again are also a good help for dogs that overheat quickly.
Create shady spots in your garden, on your patio or balcony. Your dog can retreat there and still be outside.
Do not overdo it with playing. Your four-legged friend can quickly overheat and become dehydrated. Remind your children to give your dog plenty of rest.

In hot weather, cats will usually find a shady spot for themselves, so are in less danger than dogs. However, you should still keep a careful eye on them.
Make sure your cat always has access to water.
Remove leftover food quickly, as it can easily spoil in the heat.

Constant access to fresh drinking water is also top of the list for small mammals.
Make sure that animals in outdoor enclosures have shady places and objects they can slip under to avoid the sun.

Pet birds must always be kept out of direct sunlight.
Make sure to position aviaries away from extreme temperatures and draughts.
Change the water in bathing tubs and drink bottles every day, to avoid a build-up of bacteria.